Sodium bicarbonate versus isotonic saline solution to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Contrast-induced nephropathy is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury and increased hospital-acquired morbidity and mortality. The use of sodium bicarbonate for nephroprotection has emerged as a preventative strategy; however, its efficacy is controversial compared to other strategies, such as hydration using 0.9% saline solution. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate vs. hydration using 0.9% saline solution to prevent contrast-induced acute kidney injury. Methods: A systematic review of studies registered in the COCHRANE, PUBMED, MEDLINE, LILACS, SCIELO and EMBASE databases was conducted. Randomized controlled studies that evaluated the use of 0.9% saline solution vs. sodium bicarbonate to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy were included. Results: A total of 22 studies (5,686 patients) were included. Sodium bicarbonate did not decrease the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (RD= 0.00; 95% CI= -0.02 to 0.03; p= 0.83; I2= 0%). No significant differences were found in the demand for renal replacement therapy (RD= 0.00; 95% CI= -0.01 to 0-01; I2= 0%; p= 0.99) or in mortality (RD= -0.00; 95% CI= -0.001 to 0.001; I2= 0%; p= 0.51). Conclusions: Sodium bicarbonate administration is not superior to the use of 0.9% saline solution for preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with risk factors, nor is it better at reducing mortality or the need for renal replacement therapy. Introducción: La nefropatía inducida por medio de contraste es una de las causas principales de lesión renal aguda, lo cual incrementa la morbilidad y mortalidad intrahospitalaria. La nefroprotección con bicarbonato de sodio ha surgido como una estrategia preventiva, sin embargo su eficacia es controversial cuando se compara con estrategias como la hidratación con solución salina al 0.9%. Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad del bicarbonato de sodio versus la hidratación con solución salina al 0.9% en la prevención de la lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de los estudios registrados en COCHRANE, PUBMED, MEDLINE, LILACS, SCIELO y EMBASE. Se incluyeron estudios aleatorizados, controlados donde se evaluó el uso de solución salina al 0.9% versus bicarbonato de sodio para prevenir la nefropatía por medio de contraste. Resultados: Se incluyeron 22 estudios (5,686 pacientes). El bicarbonato de sodio no disminuyó el riesgo de nefropatía inducida por contraste (DR=0.00 IC 95%= -0.02-0.03; p= 0.8